The Importance of Learning a Foreign Language for your Future Career

Many students see foreign language requirements as a nuisance, something they simply have to get through in order to finish school. They graduate with minimal knowledge of a language and then forget most of what they learned. If all you remember years later are a few words, then you haven’t gained much from the experience. But languages can be much more valuable to you than you might think.

Living in an English-speaking country, you may have gotten along fine so far knowing only English. However, many jobs require a second language. Even if it’s not a requirement, knowing a second language makes you a more competitive job candidate. If more than a few people apply for a job, employers will not invite them all for interviews. Showing on your resume and application letter that you are fluent in one or more foreign languages sets you apart from the rest, and can get you in the door.

Knowledge of other languages also helps you interact with more people. It helps you reach across social barriers and form personal and business relationships that would not be possible for you otherwise. Even if the person you are talking to knows English also, they will be much more open to you if you speak to them in their own language. It not only helps you make friends, it also makes you much more valuable to your employer.

If you’ve heard discussions in the news about globalization, then you may know already that much business is done internationally. The company you want to work for may conduct business overseas, and learning another language could gain you the opportunity to travel around the world. Your knowledge would make you valuable for international sales, marketing, etc. You would likely earn more money that way.

If you are bilingual, be sure to say what languages you know in the “skills” section of your resume and job application. Mention it again in your job interviews. If you are not bilingual, don’t be discouraged. You can always learn another language, whether you are in school or not. Language courses are available in other settings, including commercially. Whenever you begin, it will be worth the time and investment you put into it.

According to Kiplinger, these are the ten most valuable foreign languages for your future career:

1.         Chinese-Mandarin

2.         German

3.         Portuguese

4.         Japanese

5.         Spanish

6.         Korean

7.         French

8.         Arabic

9.         Hindi

10.      Russian

For more information on advantages and disadvantages of learning each of these languages, click the link below to access Kiplinger’s slide show.

References:

Doherty, J. (2013, October 7). Five Reasons Why Knowing a Foreign Language Will Help Your Career. WinterWyman. Retrieved January 19, 2016, from https://www.winterwyman.com/blog/five-reasons-why-knowing-foreign-language-will-help-your-career.

Ruhl, C. (2015, October). Best Languages to Learn to Get Ahead in Your Career. Kiplinger.com. Retrieved January 19, 2016, from http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/business/T012-S001-best-foreign-languages-for-your-career/index.html.

Job Scams

In this video, you will learn about how some job listings could be scams, and what you need to look out for.

How to Make Extra Cash for the Upcoming Holiday Season

Do you get bored quickly during holiday breaks from school? Or do you need extra money to have fun with friends during your break? You might consider working at a temporary or part-time job over your break. Not only would you earn extra money for the holidays, but you would also be improving your resume.

Just keep in mind that it may be difficult for a young person to find a part-time job because adults may be competing with you for these jobs, due to the economy. However, there are alternatives for making extra cash without a regular job:

·      Pet sitting: Many people need someone to care for their pets while they are away on vacation. Holiday breaks are the perfect time to ask people you know if they need someone to care for their pets. And the rewards may be more than financial, as walking dogs is great exercise.

·      Babysitting: Babysitters are often in great demand during the holiday season. This can be a fun money-making opportunity if you enjoy kids. Of course, it is also a great responsibility; parents will expect you to take good care of their kids and not raid their refrigerator or turn their house into party central. Consider creating fliers to distribute in your neighborhood and to your parents’ friends to publicize your services.

·      Winter Labor: If you live in area that gets a lot of snow during the winter, consider shoveling snow off of people’s driveways and sidewalks. In fact, if your area gets snow until March, this could be a good job for the entire winter.

·      Sell your used electronics and gently worn clothing: If you have properly functioning electronics that you aren’t using, consider selling them online. Secure websites like uSell and Gazelle.com allow you to safely sell your smart phones, tablets, etc., online. If you have gently used clothing that you no longer wear or no longer fits you, consider selling it to consignment stores. If your item sells, then you might receive 50 percent of the selling price. Some stores might give you cash on the spot if your clothes are not outdated and are in good condition. You can might even sell your clothes online through sites such as thredUP.com or The RealReal.

READERS, what do you think?

1.     Have you ever looked for opportunities to make extra cash during your holiday break? If so, what did you do?

2.     Can you think of other ways to make money during your break that are not mentioned here? If so, what are they? How practical do you think they are?

References:

Flashman, R., & Stork-Hestad, N. (2011, December 5). KHSFPP Update # 258—Part-Time Jobs for the Holidays. Kentucky High School Financial Planning Program. Retrieved December 3, 2014, from http://www2.ca.uky.edu/hes/fcs/hsfp/updates/2011/update0258.htm.

Huddleston, C. (2014, November). 20 Ways to Earn Extra Cash for the 2014 Holidays. Kiplinger.com. Retrieved December 3, 2014, from http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/saving/T065-S001-20-ways-to-earn-extra-cash-for-the-2014-holidays/index.html.